Folding table with central support assembly

ABSTRACT

A folding table ( 10 ) having a table top ( 14 ) and a support frame ( 12 ) which includes a perimeter frame assembly ( 41 ) and a central support/pivot assembly ( 26 ). The perimeter frame assembly ( 41 ) includes first ( 20 ) and second leg assemblies ( 22 ) which are pivotally attached to said the central support/pivot assembly ( 26 ). Also a frame ( 12 ) for a folding table ( 10 ).

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application serial No. 60/339,210, filed Dec. 10, 2001.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to folding tables, and more particularly to portable tables having collapsible leg assemblies.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Folding tables have traditionally been used at social functions and church socials because of their capacious size when erected, and their compact size when folded for storage. Such tables naturally have competing goals of providing stability and the goal to minimize weight. Older tables used particle board or masonite which tended towards sturdy construction, but at the expense of weight. More recently, tables have been constructed of blow-molded materials with a metal frame leg assembly attached to its underside. Such a table is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,674 to Stanford. This patent discloses a portable folding utility table having a center support assembly, which takes the form of a single cross-brace member to which two support braces are pivotally attached. This configuration does have the advantage of being more light-weight than previous folding tables

[0004] There are disadvantages with this type of configuration. A surface supported only by a frame near the periphery and by one central cross member can be expected to sag in the regions between the central cross member and the peripheral frame.

[0005] Thus there is a need for a folding table which has improved central support and stability, while still remaining light in weight, and easily portable.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a table which is very light-weight and portable.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a folding table which has improved stability and which provides a flat and even upper surface.

[0008] And another object of the invention is to provide a folding table that has improved support in the central region of the table.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a folding table which is very easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0010] Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is a folding table having a table top and a support frame which includes a perimeter frame assembly and a central support/pivot assembly. The perimeter frame assembly includes first and second leg assemblies which are pivotally attached to said the central support/pivot assembly. Also disclosed is a frame for a folding table.

[0011] An advantage of the present invention is that the central region of the table is supported in a very even and stable manner.

[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is that it is very light in weight, yet very strong and sturdy.

[0013] And another advantage of the present invention is that since both legs are independently mounted to the central support assembly, they may be individually more easily replaced or repaired.

[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred embodiment as described herein and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of the table of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the table of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the frame of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom plan view of the frame of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 5 shows a bottom plan view of the table;

[0021]FIG. 6 shows an end plan view of the table;

[0022]FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of the floating central assembly of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of the second embodiment of the floating central assembly of the present invention; and

[0024]FIG. 9 shows a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment of the floating central assembly of the present invention with the table in place.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0025] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a folding table with a double rail central support. As illustrated in the various drawings herein, and particularly in the view of FIG. 1, a form of this preferred embodiment of the inventive device is depicted by the general reference character 10.

[0026]FIGS. 1 and 2 show perspective views of the table from above and from the underside respectively of the folding table 10. The folding table 10 generally includes a support frame 12 and a table top 14. The table top 14 includes an upper surface 16 and a lower surface 18.

[0027] The support frame 12 can be more easily seen in FIGS. 2-5, which include detail perspective and bottom plan views of the frame 12 alone in FIGS. 3 and 4, and a bottom plan view of the frame 12 and the underside 18 of the table 10 in FIG. 5. The support frame 12 generally includes a first leg assembly 20 and a second leg assembly 22, two side rails 24, and a central support/pivot assembly 26. Each leg assembly 20, 22 is preferably identical and includes two legs 28, a cross-bar 30, a transverse bar 32, a brace 34 and preferably a pair of connecting members 36. The braces 34 each have an end closer to the center of the table 10, which will be referred to as the inner end 46, and an end closer to the legs 28, which will be referred to as the outer end 48.

[0028] The support frame 12 as a whole can be divided generally into a perimeter frame 41, including the first leg assembly 20 and second leg assembly 22, and side rails 24, which are located closer to the perimeter of the table top 14, and the central support/pivot assembly 26, which is closer to the center of the table top 14. The perimeter frame 41 and the central support/pivot assembly 26 are coupled together by the braces 34.

[0029] The central support/pivot assembly 26 can also be thought of as a “floating central assembly” 27 with regard to the perimeter frame 41, since this assembly is preferably not attached to the side rails 24. The floating central assembly 27 is however, preferably attached to protrusions 56 or otherwise fixed to the underside of the table surface 18.

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the central support/pivot assembly 26, or floating central assembly 27, preferably includes two cross members 38 and two anchor rails 40. This structure will be referred to as an “II structure” 29. This floating central assembly 27 can take various forms, of which the II structure 29 shown is only one. Other obvious variations are an “I” structure, having one cross member, an “III” structure having three cross members, etc. It is also possible that the floating central assembly 27 be a flat plate without cross bars at all, with pivot attachments of any geometric shape. Or it may be a box structure, dome, etc. Many variations on this design will be obvious to one skilled in the art, and are contemplated by the present invention.

[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the anchor rails are attached to the central region 42 of the table lower surface 18 (see especially FIG. 5). The cross members 38 provide attachment and pivot axels for the braces 34.

[0032] There are a number of pivots 44, by which the transverse bars 32 are pivotally attached to the rails 24. The connecting members 36 are pivotally attached to the legs 28, and to the outer end 48 of the brace 34. The inner end 46 of each of the braces 34 is also pivotally attached to the cross member 38 of the central support/pivot assembly 26.

[0033] Besides providing pivot attachments for the legs, the braces 34 also provide a limit to the travel of the legs 28 when they go from the collapsed configuration 50 to an extended configuration 52.

[0034] The central support/pivot assembly 26 provides important support for the central area 42 of the table 10 (see FIG. 5). By enclosing a rectangular area, it supports a much larger portion of the table top 14 than a single or even multiple cross-bars.

[0035] The table top 14 is preferably formed of blow-molded plastic, which provides a sturdy but very light-weight surface. The blow-molded plastic is capable of formed with any number of protrusions or other features to which attachment of the support frame 12 can be achieved. One representative scheme for attaching the frame to the table top 14 is shown in FIG. 2, where a raised rim 54 and a number of protrusions 56 have been fashioned. The support frame 12 is thus attached to table top 14 by fasteners of any conventional variety. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that many different contours of the table lower surface 18 and methods of attachment may be used, and are contemplated by the present invention 10.

[0036]FIG. 6 shows an end plan view of the table 10, again showing the table top 14, legs 28, cross bar 30, connecting members 36, brace 34 and pivots 44.

[0037] FIGS. 7-9 show a second embodiment of folding table having a variation in the structure of the central support/pivot assembly, which will be designated by the reference number 100. This structure can be thought of as an “H” structure 101, and as before, its central support/pivot assembly 26 is a form of floating central assembly 27. As before, it preferably has two cross members 38 to which the brace inner ends 46 of the braces 34 are pivotally attached. However, there is only a single anchor rail 40, which will be referred to as a center anchor rail 39, preferably including pivot slots 45 through which the brace inner ends 46 engage the cross members 38.

[0038] Protrusions 56 in the table lower surface 18 may be configured differently than in the earlier embodiment in order to allow the central support/pivot assembly 26 to attach firmly. Fasteners 2 such as screws are preferably used to attach the central support/pivot assembly 26 to the table lower surface 18.

[0039] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0040] The present folding table 10 is well suited for application for providing a support surface by providing an expansive table surface, and yet collapsing to a very small volume for storage. Folding tables have traditionally been used at social functions and church socials because of their capacious size when erected, and their compact size when folded for storage. Such tables naturally have competing goals of providing stability and the goal to minimize weight. Older tables used particle board or masonite which tended towards sturdy construction, but at the expense of weight. More recently, tables have been constructed of blow-molded materials with a metal frame leg assembly attached to its underside. Although these tables are often light weight and very portable, they may have a tendency to sag if there is not proper support in the center of the surface, since the blow-molded surface is somewhat flexible. The present invention 10 overcomes these difficulties by providing a central support/pivot assembly 26 which can also be thought of as a “floating central assembly” 27.

[0041] The folding table 10 generally includes a support frame 12 and a table top 14 having an upper surface 16 and a lower surface 18. The support frame 12 includes a first leg assembly 20 and a second leg assembly 22, two side rails 24, and a central support/pivot assembly 26. Each leg assembly 20, 22 is preferably identical and includes two legs 28, a cross-bar 30, a transverse bar 32, a brace 34 and preferably a pair of connecting members 36.

[0042] A preferred embodiment of the central support/pivot assembly 26 preferably includes two cross members 38 and at least one anchor rail 40, which could be a central anchor rail 39. This floating central assembly 27 can take various forms, of which the II structure 29 is one and the H structure 101 is another.

[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the anchor rails are attached to the central region 42 of the table lower surface 18. The cross members 38 provide attachment and pivot axels for the braces 34. There are a number of pivots 44, by which the transverse bars 32 are pivotally attached to the rails 24. The connecting members 36 are pivotally attached to the legs 28, and to the outer end 48 of the brace 34. The inner end 46 of each of the braces 34 is also pivotally attached to the cross member 38 of the central support/pivot assembly 26.

[0044] The central support/pivot assembly 26 provides important support for the central area 42 of the table 10. By enclosing a rectangular area, it supports a much larger portion of the table top 14 than a single or even multiple cross-bars.

[0045] For the above, and other, reasons, it is expected that the air bed with elevated and self-expanding support structure 10, 100 of the present invention will have widespread industrial applicability. Therefore, it is expected that the commercial utility of the present invention will be extensive and long lasting. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A folding table comprising: a table top; and a support frame including a perimeter frame assembly and a central support/pivot assembly, said perimeter frame assembly including first and second leg assemblies being pivotally attached to said central support/pivot assembly.
 2. The folding table of claim 1, wherein: said perimeter frame includes side rails, wherein said first and second leg assemblies are pivotally attached to said side rails.
 3. The folding table of claim 1, wherein: said first and second leg assemblies are pivotally attached to said central support/pivot assembly by braces.
 4. The folding table of claim 3, wherein: each of said braces have an inner end and an outer end, each said inner end being pivotally attached to said central support/pivot assembly, and each said outer end being pivotally attached to one of said first and second leg assemblies.
 5. The folding table of claim 4, wherein: each said outer end of said braces pivotally attaches to a connecting member which pivotally attaches to one of said first and second leg assemblies.
 6. The folding table of claim 1, wherein: said central support/pivot assembly includes at least one anchor rail.
 7. The folding table of claim 1, wherein: said central support/pivot assembly includes at least one cross member.
 8. The folding table of claim 7, wherein: said first and second leg assemblies are pivotally attached to said central support/pivot assembly by braces, where each of said braces have an inner end and an outer end, each said inner end being pivotally attached to said at least one cross member of said central support/pivot assembly.
 9. The folding table of claim 1, wherein: said central support/pivot assembly, is attached to the underside of said table top.
 10. The folding table of claim 9, wherein: said underside of said table includes protrusions and said central support/pivot assembly, is attached to said protrusions of said table top.
 11. A frame for a folding table comprising: a support frame including a perimeter frame and a central support/pivot assembly, said perimeter frame assembly including first and second leg assemblies being pivotally attached to said central support/pivot assembly.
 12. The frame for a folding table of claim 11, wherein: said perimeter frame includes side rails, wherein said first and second leg assemblies are pivotally attached to said side rails.
 13. The frame for a folding table of claim 11, wherein: said first and second leg assemblies are pivotally attached to said central support/pivot assembly by braces.
 14. The frame for a folding table of claim 13, wherein: each of said braces have an inner end and an outer end, each said inner end being pivotally attached to said central support/pivot assembly, and each said outer end being pivotally attached to one of said first and second leg assemblies.
 15. The frame for a folding table of claim 14, wherein: each said outer end of said braces pivotally attaches to a connecting member which pivotally attaches to one of said first and second leg assemblies.
 16. The frame for a folding table of claim 11, wherein: said central support/pivot assembly includes at least one anchor rail.
 17. The frame for a folding table of claim 11, wherein: said central support/pivot assembly includes at least one cross member.
 18. The frame for a folding table of claim 17, wherein: said first and second leg assemblies are pivotally attached to said central support/pivot assembly by braces, where each of said braces have an inner end and an outer end, each said inner end being pivotally attached to said at least one cross member of said central support/pivot assembly.
 19. A folding table comprising: a table top; a support frame including first and second leg assemblies, side rails and a central support/pivot assembly; said first and second leg assemblies being pivotally attached to said side rails and also pivotally attached to said central support/pivot assembly.
 20. A folding table comprising: a table top; a support frame including a perimeter frame assembly including side rails and first and second leg assemblies, said first and second leg assemblies being pivotally attached to said side rails; and a floating central assembly, said first and second leg assemblies also being pivotally attached to said floating central assembly.
 21. The folding table of claim 20, wherein: said first and second leg assemblies are pivotally attached to said floating central assembly by braces.
 22. The folding table of claim 21, wherein: each of said braces have an inner end and an outer end, each said inner end being pivotally attached to said floating central assembly, and each said outer end being pivotally attached to one of said first and second leg assemblies.
 23. The folding table of claim 22, wherein: each said outer end of said braces pivotally attaches to a connecting member which pivotally attaches to one of said first and second leg assemblies.
 24. The folding table of claim 20, wherein: said floating central assembly includes at least one anchor rail.
 25. The folding table of claim 21, wherein: said floating central assembly includes at least one cross member.
 26. The folding table of claim 25, wherein: said first and second leg assemblies are pivotally attached to said central support/pivot assembly by braces, where each of said braces have an inner end and an outer end, each said inner end being pivotally attached to said at least one cross member of said floating central assembly.
 27. The folding table of claim 20, wherein: said floating central assembly, is attached to the underside of said table top.
 28. The folding table of claim 27, wherein: said underside of said table includes protrusions and said floating central assembly, is attached to said protrusions of said table top. 